Centralia, IL
Population 12,009 · Illinois
About Centralia, IL
Centralia is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 12,009 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,308 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Centralia features a median home value of $81,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Centralia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,949 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (3,359 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,873 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Centralia shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Centralia have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.8% of Centralia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Centralia, IL
Compared to national averages, Centralia has a median household income of $47,308 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,600, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Centralia's income is 37% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 51% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Centralia, IL?
Centralia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,308) that falls below the national average. However, Centralia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Centralia has a population of 12,009 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Centralia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Centralia
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palos Heights | 11,817 | $107,974 | $350,000 | Compare |
| Effingham | 12,258 | $65,718 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | Compare |
| Streator | 12,274 | $54,953 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Kewanee | 12,280 | $49,668 | $70,000 | Compare |
| Justice | 12,372 | $58,514 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Plano | 11,626 | $83,102 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Winnetka | 12,508 | $250,001 | $1,206,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Centralia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Centralia
What is the population of Centralia, IL?
The population of Centralia, IL is 12,009 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia, IL is $47,308 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia, IL is $81,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Centralia?
The median monthly rent in Centralia, IL is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Centralia?
The unemployment rate in Centralia, IL is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Centralia, IL a good place to live?
Centralia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,009 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Centralia, IL?
17.8% of residents in Centralia aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Centralia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Centralia, IL: median home value is $81,600 (67% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $47,308. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Centralia?
The poverty rate in Centralia, IL is 22.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Centralia, IL?
Centralia's population is 1.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 9.6% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.